National Newsletter | Issue #17
Fourth of July is here, and I think for many of us, it's a favorite holiday.
Patriotism, family time, celebration - what’s not to love? If you’re in a new community (or it just feels new because of COVID), what a great reason to get out and enjoy. Or if you’re in transit, join us from wherever you are for “A Capitol Fourth” on PBS. Blue Star Families is a proud partner of the show!
Before we put away our work for the holiday, I want you to know there’s still time to complete our annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey. We need each service member (active duty, Guard, Reserve, Veteran) and family member to share their unique experiences, both the good and not-so-good, in our confidential survey. Policymakers and funders make decisions based on it, so please lend us your voice!
This month and every month, we want to help you set down roots so that you can thrive. It’s our mission! That’s why Blue Star Summer is made with our members in mind, making it easy and fun for your family to find new adventures through Blue Star Outdoors and Blue Star Museums.
I hope you enjoy this beautiful summer and are able to celebrate what July 4th is all about: our nation’s birth, independence, and freedom. That wouldn’t be possible without our founding fathers and those who’ve bravely served and continue to serve. The strength of our active-duty, Veteran, National Guard, and Reserve members and their families continues to inspire me to find ways to create meaningful connections in communities across the country every day.
Blue Star Families stands with you!
#BSFSurvey Closing Soon
You’ve heard us say this time and time again, but it bears repeating: we believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another. While we can’t help you drive cross-country to your next duty station, we CAN create solutions to help your family thrive. Take the 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey (available in English and Spanish!) before it closes on July 10th to speak out about what’s most important to your family and the military- and Veteran-connected community. PLUS, when you complete it, you can enter to win one of five $100 gift cards. Be a voice for your family and community today.
Blue Star Summer Fun Submissions
Share your summer fun and learning experiences with Blue Star Families for a chance to win 1 of 3 family prize boxes!
Military Pets Deserve a Welcome, Too!
Only 85 days until Blue Star Welcome Week begins across the nation! To get ready, we’re giving away several $50 eGift cards each week in July to help welcome your pet OR your neighbor’s pet!
Enjoy “A Capitol Fourth”
On Monday, July 4th, tune in to celebrate America's 246th birthday with host Mickey Guyton. You can expect a star-studded lineup of performers and, of course, fireworks!
Beat Summer Boredom at a Museum
Our partnership with National Endowment for the Arts and the Department of Defense allows us to offer complimentary admission to more than 2,000 Blue Star Museums nationwide to active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, now through Labor Day.
Let’s Play Nature Bingo
Calling all military families and civilian neighbors! Join us for a game of nature bingo that's sure to bring your loved ones together while encouraging time spent outdoors this season — no matter if you're PCSing, going on vacation, or staying put. Want to be entered for the chance to win one of three family prize packs?
Blue Star Summer Virtual Wednesday Connections
There’s still time to sign up for virtual meet-ups centered around family-focused fun this Blue Star Summer! Click here for all the details and to save your spot today.
Understanding Military Spouse Employment
We are more concerned than ever about military spouse employment. To better serve the military community, we need to hear how military life affects your employment. Take the annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey and tell us today.
¿Hablas Español?
We’re proud to announce Verano Bilingue Summer 2022 with Spouseforce, powered by Blue Star Careers! Bilingual/Latinx/Hispanic military spouses are invited to join us for professional development and career opportunities.
Maintain a Competitive Edge in Your Career
Join Spouseforce Learning Hubs via Coursera! After registering, you'll receive instructions to activate your complimentary enrollment. This is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up now to choose from a Google Project Management Certification, Intuit Bookkeeping Certification, Facebook Social Media Management, TESOL Certificate from ASU, and more.
Advancing Holistic Health for Military Families
Hey, military families! There's greater wellness support available to you in partnership with Humana Military, Military Family Advisory Network, and Team RWB called Operation Family Resiliency (OFR). Learn about OFR's no-cost resources, events, and tools at www.humanamilitary.com/OFR.
Ford Proud To Honor
Show your patriotism this summer by repping Proud To Honor merchandise, and 100% of Ford's profits will be donated to Blue Star Families and DAV; two military charities that help Veterans, service members, and their families.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
Calling all military- and Veteran-connected families in New England! Did you know we’re launching a New England Chapter soon? Register for your chance to join us at Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox for our inaugural event! Make connections with other local military families, meet your NEW Executive Director, and learn more about what Blue Star Families has in store for you in the New England area!
Military Pathways Program
Have you heard about the JPMorgan Chase & Co. US Military Pathways Rotational Program? It’s an aggressive, highly selective program that seeks to identify top Veteran talent and cultivate them to serve as leaders in the firm. Selected candidates receive pre-hire guidance, an intensive overview of the organization, and personalized onboarding support in their first 30 days.
Thank You, Blue Star Partners!
We’re so grateful for our corporate partners’ support in helping strengthen military families and build stronger, more connected communities. USAA continues to support our annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey and White Oak Collaborative. craig newmark philanthropies aids our efforts in combating food insecurity among military and Veteran families. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of many!
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